Gunston House Fire

Three adults and three children have been displaced after a house fire in the Gunston area of Lorton. Firefighters had to draft water from the Potomac River to combat the blaze, since the nearest fire hydrant was a mile from the scene. One firefighter suffered non-life threatening injuries, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. 

At around 10:55 a.m. on Saturday, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded to a house fire at 10606 Belmont Boulevard in Lorton. They found heavy smoke and fire coming from the garage and an attached breezeway. 

"Firefighters were challenged on several fronts while fighting the fire. The nearest fire hydrant was over a mile from the fire, heat and humidity were overwhelming and the road leading to the home was extremely narrow," according to FCPD. "The Incident Commander committed a tanker in fighting the fire, as well as using Fireboat 420, assigned to the Gunston Fire and Rescue Station. The fireboat drafted water from the Potomac River, establishing a water supply to an awaiting fire engine, and providing the needed water to firefighters conducting an interior and exterior fire attack on the home. Firefighters conducted extensive salvage overhaul operations to ensure the fire was completely out."

The fire was extinguished in 30 minutes. Half of the home sustained water, fire and smoke damage. Damage is estimated at $237,000, and the Red Cross is assisting the displaced family. The cause of the fire is under investigation.